Thistle boss Bryan Slavin has said he is expecting a strong reaction from his players as they face up to a local derby against Premier high flyers Kilbirnie on Saturday, 2pm at Valefield Park.

The Largs manager put Wednesday night's performance down to early season rustiness believes his side are capable of a much higher level of display.

Largs boss Bryan Slavin said: "It was a very uncharacteristic performance from us in the end - we started ok, and scored through Nicky Jamieson, but I was disappointed in our retention of the ball, and our passing wasn't great, and Winton managed to get their way back into the game.
"I don't think the match was an indication of our true ability - we were losing challenges, and second to every ball. There was no drive about us at all.
"I am hoping to put that down to early season rustiness, but I am not in any doubt that it wasn't good enough. The application needs to be far better."

"I have no doubt that we can go to Kilbirnie and win the game. The Kilbirnie match takes on extra significance now. We need to chalk up Wednesday as a freak display and focus on being positive against Ladeside. 

"We need to stand up and show some character,  going to places like Kilbirnie who who full established as a Premier team, and enjoyed a good season last year.
"I am fully expecting we can go and win but we need the correct team, and the heads to be up."